Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space.
The group of women also included experts in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
